Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major3
87%
Daphne Chloe, Star of 'The Ring' and 'Lilo & Stitch', Dies at 35 from Meningitis and Sepsis
Daphne Chloe, the acclaimed actress known for playing the haunting character Samara Morgan in 'The Ring' and voicing Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch', has died at 35 from meningitis and blood infections following a period of malnutrition and hospitalization. Her death marks the end of a career that made her one of Hollywood's most memorable child stars of the early 2000s.
Quick Facts
Who
Daphne Chloe
What
Died from meningitis and sepsis complications
When
Died in June 2026
Where
Los Angeles, California (hospitalized and died)
- Died from meningitis and sepsis complications
- Previously hospitalized for malnutrition in Los Angeles
- Voiced Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch'
- Portrayed Samara Morgan in 'The Ring'
- Appeared in 'Donnie Darko'
Daphne Chloe, an American actress who became an international icon through her roles in early 2000s film and television, has died at 35 following complications from meningitis and blood infections. According to reports, Chloe passed away in Los Angeles after her health deteriorated significantly. She had been hospitalized earlier in June for malnutrition, which preceded the serious infections that ultimately claimed her life.
Chloe is best known for her portrayal of the terrifying character Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film 'The Ring', the American adaptation of the Japanese film about a cursed videotape. The iconic image of her character emerging from a television screen became one of the most memorable and influential moments in modern cinema. She also provided the voice for Lilo in Disney's 2002 animated film 'Lilo & Stitch'. Beyond these prominent roles, Chloe appeared in 'Donnie Darko' in 2001 and contributed to the English dubbing of the acclaimed anime 'Spirited Away', among other notable projects.
Chloe began her entertainment career at an exceptionally young age, starting in Las Vegas at approximately four years old. She worked across theater, voice acting, and commercials before securing her first Hollywood television role at age seven in the popular American comedy series 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'. Her breakout film performance came in 2001 with 'Donnie Darko', which later gained significant critical acclaim and cultural impact.
Despite her early success and the lasting influence of her performances, Chloe withdrew from acting in 2016 following a series of personal and legal challenges. Those close to her indicated she had struggled with addiction issues for many years. Her character of Samara Morgan continued to appear in later installments of 'The Ring' franchise, including archival footage in the 2005 sequel and the 2017 film 'Rings'. Chloe was born in Las Vegas in 1990 and earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003 for her role in 'The Ring'.
Topics
Why This Matters
Daphne Chloe's death underscores the significant health risks associated with severe malnutrition and the vulnerability of child actors in the entertainment industry. Her case highlights broader conversations about the psychological toll of early fame, substance abuse struggles, and the importance of mental health support for former child stars. For audiences who grew up with her iconic roles, her passing serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost behind memorable cinematic moments.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1990
WireDaphne Chloe born in Las Vegas, Nevada
Jan 1, 2001
WireAppeared in 'Donnie Darko', marking a significant breakout role
Jan 1, 2002
WireReleased 'The Ring' (as Samara Morgan) and 'Lilo & Stitch' (voice of Lilo), achieving international fame
Jan 1, 2003
WireWon MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for 'The Ring'
Jan 1, 2005
WireArchival footage appeared in 'The Ring 2'
Jan 1, 2016
WireWithdrew from acting due to personal and legal challenges
Jan 1, 2017
WireCharacter appeared in 'The Rings'
Jun 18, 2026
WireDaphne Chloe died at age 35 from meningitis and sepsis complications